# Orbot — Tor VPN

> Free, open-source Tor VPN for enhanced internet privacy and security. (iPhone/iPad app by The Tor Project.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbot/id1609461599 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [The Tor Project](https://appshunter.io/developer/1199566365)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.99/5 from 951 App Store ratings · 392 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 115 MB
- Languages: Arabic, Croatian, English, French, German, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and 2 more
- Released: 2022-02-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbot/id1609461599/reviews.md

## What is Orbot?

Orbot is the original free and open-source Tor-powered VPN for iOS and macOS. Orbot helps you access the internet with more safety and privacy, and no extra cost to you.

FEATURES:
- Browse the internet over Tor.
- Secure your traffic from insecure wireless networks and ISPs.
- Access .onion sites that are only accessible over Tor.

DISCLAIMERS:
- Web browsing is much slower than through a normal VPN because your traffic is encrypted and relayed through the Tor network.

- Orbot might not work on networks with advanced network restrictions. If the app does not connect, try using bridges (or a different type of bridge).

- Use of Orbot is at your own risk; remember that sensitive data does not always belong on a mobile device.

** Orbot is free and open-source software. You can read more about Orbot and how to support development of Tor on iOS by visiting orbot.app **

## Key features

- Browse internet over Tor
- Secure traffic from insecure networks
- Access .onion sites
- Free and open-source

## What do users think of Orbot?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable connection
- 🔒 Secure and private browsing
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive
- 🌐 Bypasses censorship and internet restrictions

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnections and unstable connection
- 🔋 High battery drain
- ⚠️ Incompatible with some iOS versions and devices
- 🕰️ Slow connection speeds

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Fails to connect at 50% or gets stuck in a connection loop
- Causes Wi-Fi or mobile data connection issues
- Randomly disconnects without warning
- Onion Browser integration is unreliable

**Most requested features**

- Add manual bridge configuration options
- Implement a kill switch to block internet access when VPN disconnects
- Improve compatibility with other iOS apps and services
- Provide more detailed connection logs and diagnostics

## Recent user reviews (10 of 392)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbot/id1609461599/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Very private

*2026-07-27, version 1.12.0*

I love it, it’s the best way to remain private online. Your IP has 4 layers of protection while connected with Orbot.

### 5/5 — 10 stars

*2026-07-27, version 1.12.0*

It has not crashed yet but I’m in the USA and I can get on the hub with Out I’d so I am happy 10/10

### 1/5 — Too many errors

*2026-07-12, version 1.12.0*

Does not connect most of the time

### 1/5 — Should be 18+ rather than 4+, kids shouldn’t have access to this.

*2026-06-24, version 1.11.1*

Dear Orbot team, this app connects to the dark web and I don’t want my kids to have access to such things especially with all of the sensitive stuff on there. Age up the app please especially when other tor browser apps on the App Store are ages up to 16+.

### 1/5 — Don't bother

*2026-06-21, version 1.11.1*

Installed this app and it made all my other apps constantly crash, tried installing/reinstalling no different. Plus it made my phone very slow, deleted it now my phone is back to normal.

### 4/5 — I mean it’s alright

*2026-06-16, version 1.11.1*

It’s alright, a bit slow but dose work

### 1/5 — freedom beach app

*2026-05-31, version 1.11.0*

I donated $5, but the application does not work. Additionally, they offer to donate through crypto - but it does not work, and the money is collected. offer something that works crooks

### 5/5 — Manual DNS Resolver feature request❤️

*2026-05-07, version 1.10.0*

Hi, I'm writing from iran. I was hoping if we could get a second manual multiple dns resolver input or a dns scanner even. During this digital blackout android users have been using clients that support dnstt and multiple dns resolvers, would be great to have it on tor under dnstt tunnel section or as a separate option, thank again!

### 1/5 — Bombs Constantly, (for now) Basically Useless

*2026-04-29, version 1.10.0*

UPDATE: It’s so bad it burned through my entire data plan TWO WEEKS BEFORE IT RENEWS!!! The incessant bombing and trying to reconnect chewed through gigabytes! WHAT A WASTE! Money I’d rather go to the Tor Project is instead being diverted to a monopolistic telco! 

——
Prior & Still Relevant Review: 
This app used to work for me when all I had was wifi. Then I added a sim to my iPad so I could use it away from wifi. Then I became like 99% of the reviewers here: Orbot’s embedded tor app bombs CONSTANTLY! My iPad literally heats up due to Orbot incessantly trying to run tor to (re)establish a connection. Right now I think BOTH Apple and the Tor Project are responsible for this. Apple’s Max Mem in Queues is too low and 6 foot programmers are stuck in a house with 4 foot ceilings. And the Tor Project clearly hates Apple, thus us “morons” for buying into a mostly closed system. Which is plain wacko since Google is a convicted monopolist AND makes no bones about their sick spying and stalking of everyone for profit. Ever since Apple’s inception they’ve been (mostly) anti marketing, in favor of word of mouth, and disdainful of selling customer data, ESPECIALLY for marketing purposes, which is the exact opposite of Google.

### 1/5 — It's not an App

*2026-04-19, version 1.10.0*

A genuine App once downloaded doesn't need to click install again ,   unless it's an spyware!!  Delete!

## Frequently asked questions about Orbot

### What does Orbot do?

Orbot is a free and open-source Tor-powered VPN that enhances your internet safety and privacy. It allows you to browse the internet over the Tor network, securing your traffic from insecure wireless networks and ISPs, and enabling access to .onion sites.

### How does Orbot improve my privacy?

By routing your internet traffic through the Tor network, Orbot anonymizes your online activity. This makes it more difficult for third parties, including your ISP or websites, to track your browsing habits and identify your location.

### Is Orbot free to use?

Yes, Orbot is completely free and open-source software. There are no costs associated with downloading or using its features to enhance your online privacy and security.

### What are the limitations of using Orbot?

Web browsing can be significantly slower than with a normal VPN due to the encryption and relaying of traffic through the Tor network. Additionally, Orbot may not function on networks with advanced restrictions, and users should exercise caution when handling sensitive data on mobile devices.

### Can I access any website with Orbot?

Orbot allows you to browse the internet over Tor and access .onion sites, which are exclusively available on the Tor network. However, due to the nature of the Tor network, access to some standard websites might be slower or occasionally encounter issues.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.12.0 — 2026-07-08

- Updated Tor to 0.4.9.11.
- Updated Snowflake to 2.14.1.
- Improved explanation of Kindness Mode and its test implications.
- Slightly improved status error display.
- Added simplified Chinese translation.

### 1.11.1 — 2026-06-09

- Updated Tor to 0.4.9.9. (Contains many security fixes!)
- Updated Farsi translations.

### 1.11.0 — 2026-05-21

- Updated Tor to latest version 0.4.9.8.
- Improved Kindness Mode.
- Updated translations.
- Added Korean translation.

### 1.10.0 — 2026-04-14

- BRIDGE SUPPORT IS BACK ON iOS!
- Updated Tor to latest version 0.4.9.6.
- Updated to Snowflake 2.13.1.
- Updated translations.

### 1.9.4 — 2026-04-03

- Improved DNSTT shutdown. (macOS)
- Updated to Snowflake 2.12.1.

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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## More apps by The Tor Project

- [OONI Probe](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ooni-probe/id1199566366)

All apps by The Tor Project: https://appshunter.io/developer/1199566365

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-20.*